BOISE, Idaho - Lt. Gov. Brad Little invited state legislators, officials of the Idaho State Historical Society, the Idaho adjutant general and other key National Guard military members to the rotunda of the Idaho State Capitol Jan. 15.
This year's Military Division Legislative Day coincided with a new military history exhibit, located on the third floor. The traveling exhibit is currently open to the public and will be inside the capitol through the legislative session, available to travel afterward.
"Those Who Served" is a tribute honoring Idaho's military past and present. Little addressed the crowd that attended the exhibit opening.
"We hear it every day, those of us that work here, how proud we should be of our capitol, and the fact that we continue to highlight what was important in our past and, of course, the service given by our military. I think this (exhibit) is a very proper part of Idaho to highlight in the capitol," said Little.
"We take this opportunity to think about our present as well as our future," said Janet Gallimore, Idaho State Historical Society executive director.
"Idahoans are fiercely proud of the past, but recognize that the past frames their future. Today we are here to recognize and honor Idaho's military history, past and present. Through a terrific partnership with the Capitol Commission, the Idaho Military History Museum, the Idaho National Guard and an amazing military advisory committee, we are all here to present this great exhibition," she said.
Gallimore acknowledged Rep. Linden Bateman, who felt strongly that the state needed to recognize and honor its veterans and the men and women who protect Idaho's freedom and defend our country.
"Without Rep. Bateman, we would not be here today. This would not have been possible without his vigilance and persistence," Gallimore said. "Idahoans are proud of their heritage, they demonstrate this each and every day, it is that spirit that shapes our future. We are here to celebrate this exhibition."
Chief of Staff, Idaho Army National Guard, Col. Robert Lytle is the Idaho military team lead liaison in conjunction with the Idaho State Historical Society and the Capitol Commission partnership.
"We are grateful to have an external display of some of the archives that we have here and some of the archives that we share back and forth with the Historical Society. Our Military History Museum at Gowen Field is currently under renovation and not available. It bugs us every time we deny Idahoans their history," said Lytle.
The annual event allows for state leaders to stay connected with the military leaders and discuss any changes within current military stature, see displays of military equipment and events, and learn what is new with associated groups and partnerships.